WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.880 So, if you're using a church Bible, it's page 1103, Acts chapter 10. 00:00:10.160 --> 00:00:16.080 ! At Caesarea, there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian regiment. 00:00:16.820 --> 00:00:23.640 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 00:00:23.640 --> 00:00:31.420 One day, about three in the afternoon, he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God who came to him and said, 00:00:31.760 --> 00:00:38.280 Cornelius. Cornelius stared at him in fear. What is it, Lord? he asked. The angel answered, 00:00:39.120 --> 00:00:43.560 Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 00:00:44.480 --> 00:00:48.760 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon, who is called Peter. 00:00:49.120 --> 00:00:52.380 He is staying with Simon the Tanner, whose house is by the sea. 00:00:53.640 --> 00:01:01.079 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 00:01:01.659 --> 00:01:05.400 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa. 00:01:06.859 --> 00:01:10.640 About noon the following day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, 00:01:11.260 --> 00:01:16.060 Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat. 00:01:16.280 --> 00:01:20.260 And while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 00:01:20.260 --> 00:01:27.240 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 00:01:27.880 --> 00:01:32.880 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 00:01:33.600 --> 00:01:37.540 Then a voice told him, Get up, Peter. Kill and eat. 00:01:38.500 --> 00:01:40.200 Surely not, Lord, Peter replied. 00:01:40.520 --> 00:01:43.439 I have never eaten anything impure or unclean. 00:01:43.439 --> 00:01:46.099 The voice spoke to him a second time. 00:01:46.899 --> 00:01:49.899 Do not call anything impure that God has made clean. 00:01:50.659 --> 00:01:54.840 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven. 00:01:56.079 --> 00:01:58.560 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, 00:01:59.120 --> 00:02:04.060 the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate. 00:02:04.900 --> 00:02:08.240 They called out, asking if Simon, who was known as Peter, was staying there. 00:02:08.240 --> 00:02:12.980 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the spirit said to him, 00:02:13.580 --> 00:02:17.740 Simon, three men are looking for you, so get up and go downstairs. 00:02:18.520 --> 00:02:21.659 Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them. 00:02:22.320 --> 00:02:26.180 Peter went down and said to the men, I'm the one you're looking for. 00:02:26.700 --> 00:02:27.660 Why have you come? 00:02:28.640 --> 00:02:32.080 The men replied, We have come from Cornelius the centurion. 00:02:32.760 --> 00:02:36.960 He is a righteous and God-fearing man who is respected by all the Jewish people. 00:02:36.960 --> 00:02:43.439 A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say. 00:02:44.439 --> 00:02:48.080 Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. 00:02:49.439 --> 00:02:54.240 The next day, Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. 00:02:54.879 --> 00:02:57.300 The following day, he arrived at Caesarea. 00:02:58.460 --> 00:03:02.939 Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 00:03:02.939 --> 00:03:09.120 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 00:03:09.620 --> 00:03:11.000 But Peter made him get up. 00:03:11.479 --> 00:03:12.400 Stand up, he said. 00:03:12.620 --> 00:03:14.079 I am only a man myself. 00:03:15.159 --> 00:03:20.020 While talking with them, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 00:03:20.620 --> 00:03:21.439 He said to them, 00:03:21.439 --> 00:03:41.659 Cornelius answered, 00:03:41.659 --> 00:03:46.460 Three days ago, I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. 00:03:47.400 --> 00:03:50.840 Suddenly, a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, 00:03:51.539 --> 00:03:55.819 Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 00:03:56.740 --> 00:03:58.900 Send to Joppa for Simon, who is called Peter. 00:03:59.620 --> 00:04:03.419 He is a guest in the home of Simon the Tanner, who lives by the sea. 00:04:04.039 --> 00:04:08.019 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. 00:04:08.020 --> 00:04:15.420 Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us. 00:04:16.100 --> 00:04:16.620 Amen. 00:04:16.840 --> 00:04:17.759 This is God's Word. 00:04:18.800 --> 00:04:24.620 Now if you pick up your Bibles again, we can turn back together to Acts chapter 10. 00:04:25.759 --> 00:04:28.079 We'll pick up our reading at verse 34. 00:04:28.819 --> 00:04:35.160 In this wonderful chapter that reminds us that the good news of Jesus truly is for everyone. 00:04:35.160 --> 00:04:39.100 So again, as we hear God's Word, 00:04:39.300 --> 00:04:41.080 Then Peter began to speak. 00:04:41.939 --> 00:04:47.160 I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, 00:04:47.560 --> 00:04:51.740 but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right. 00:04:52.540 --> 00:04:55.300 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, 00:04:55.879 --> 00:04:59.580 announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 00:04:59.579 --> 00:05:03.199 You know what's happened throughout the province of Judea, 00:05:03.659 --> 00:05:06.680 beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached. 00:05:07.639 --> 00:05:10.759 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, 00:05:11.259 --> 00:05:14.899 and how He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, 00:05:15.439 --> 00:05:16.639 because God was with Him. 00:05:17.639 --> 00:05:21.500 We are witnesses of everything He did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. 00:05:21.500 --> 00:05:24.620 They killed Him by hanging Him on a cross, 00:05:24.939 --> 00:05:29.360 but God raised Him from the dead on the third day and caused Him to be seen. 00:05:30.079 --> 00:05:34.500 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen, 00:05:34.920 --> 00:05:38.279 by us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. 00:05:39.139 --> 00:05:44.019 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the one whom God appointed 00:05:44.019 --> 00:05:45.639 as judge of the living and the dead. 00:05:45.639 --> 00:05:52.379 All the prophets testify about Him, that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins 00:05:52.379 --> 00:05:53.279 through His name. 00:05:54.039 --> 00:05:59.199 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 00:05:59.899 --> 00:06:02.899 The circumcised believers who'd come with Peter were astonished 00:06:02.899 --> 00:06:06.860 that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles, 00:06:07.519 --> 00:06:09.979 for they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. 00:06:10.779 --> 00:06:11.779 Then Peter said, 00:06:11.779 --> 00:06:15.459 Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. 00:06:16.360 --> 00:06:18.699 They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have. 00:06:19.419 --> 00:06:22.699 So He ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. 00:06:23.339 --> 00:06:27.099 Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. 00:06:27.939 --> 00:06:28.399 Amen. 00:06:29.959 --> 00:06:37.339 So today we are thinking about a meeting that changes the world forever. 00:06:38.099 --> 00:06:40.599 Now that's a pretty big claim about a meeting. 00:06:41.500 --> 00:06:43.339 Many of us live in a lot of meetings. 00:06:43.439 --> 00:06:45.159 And meetings are not always that interesting. 00:06:45.639 --> 00:06:49.860 But it is true to say that sometimes a meeting can change the world. 00:06:50.759 --> 00:06:53.519 I asked the internet about meetings that changed the world. 00:06:53.599 --> 00:06:54.899 Got some interesting responses. 00:06:56.259 --> 00:06:59.279 1919, the Versailles Treaty. 00:07:00.099 --> 00:07:02.039 1945, the Yalta Conference. 00:07:02.180 --> 00:07:04.599 I guess whenever there's peace conferences, that's a big deal. 00:07:04.699 --> 00:07:05.399 That has an impact. 00:07:05.399 --> 00:07:12.239 I was also directed to the year 325, an important time in church history. 00:07:12.719 --> 00:07:16.919 There was a council of Nicaea where they basically said, 00:07:17.079 --> 00:07:22.399 Here is what the truths about God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are for the church. 00:07:22.399 --> 00:07:31.439 And in a slightly different vein, 1957, at St. Peter's Church Garden Party in Liverpool, 00:07:32.060 --> 00:07:34.979 there was the meeting of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. 00:07:35.120 --> 00:07:37.159 And very soon the Beatles would be four. 00:07:37.419 --> 00:07:40.379 So lots of different significant meetings. 00:07:40.379 --> 00:07:47.180 But no list that I looked at mentioned this meeting between Peter and Cornelius. 00:07:48.259 --> 00:07:53.180 But I want to suggest that this meeting is honestly huge. 00:07:53.180 --> 00:07:58.920 It has the power to explain why we are here. 00:08:00.319 --> 00:08:05.780 It has the power to explain how the good news has come to the city of Edinburgh. 00:08:06.660 --> 00:08:10.420 And it explains how we can say to anyone, 00:08:11.240 --> 00:08:13.280 Jesus is good news for you. 00:08:14.800 --> 00:08:17.399 What's happening here is we meet Peter. 00:08:17.399 --> 00:08:25.599 Peter, when Jesus was alive, used this illustration of Peter being given the keys of the kingdom. 00:08:26.219 --> 00:08:30.039 That through his message, he would open the door of salvation. 00:08:30.799 --> 00:08:36.220 And we've seen Peter do that as he preached to some Jewish people in Acts chapter 2. 00:08:37.039 --> 00:08:41.460 And we've seen it in Acts chapter 8 with some Samaritans. 00:08:41.460 --> 00:08:49.580 And now, in chapter 10, the door of salvation is wide open to the world. 00:08:49.820 --> 00:08:54.840 This is when the gospel and the Holy Spirit comes to the Gentiles. 00:08:54.940 --> 00:08:57.019 So to the non-Jewish world. 00:08:57.800 --> 00:09:01.660 So I imagine that applies to almost all of us here today, 00:09:02.120 --> 00:09:05.220 that we have good news because of this meeting. 00:09:05.320 --> 00:09:09.620 This is a huge step in what Jesus called the Great Commission. 00:09:09.620 --> 00:09:12.659 Go and make disciples of all nations. 00:09:13.740 --> 00:09:16.560 Be witnesses for Jesus to the ends of the earth. 00:09:17.279 --> 00:09:18.220 So it's a huge moment. 00:09:19.139 --> 00:09:22.019 And to help us to kind of sense it, 00:09:22.639 --> 00:09:26.860 so Luke, who writes our book, he is a brilliant historian. 00:09:28.039 --> 00:09:29.600 I like reading history books. 00:09:30.159 --> 00:09:33.019 And what really brings history to life, I think, is when you have like, 00:09:33.019 --> 00:09:40.500 here's this big event of life-changing significance seen through the eyes of an individual. 00:09:41.439 --> 00:09:46.299 And so we get the story of the good news of God coming to the world 00:09:46.299 --> 00:09:51.120 through the eyes and the life of one man, Cornelius and his household. 00:09:51.840 --> 00:09:57.139 We also know this is a super significant moment because Luke slows the pace right down. 00:09:57.139 --> 00:10:01.860 So we get two chapters thinking about Peter and Cornelius. 00:10:01.899 --> 00:10:05.319 And we got some great cinematography as well. 00:10:05.960 --> 00:10:09.120 So there's six scenes in this chapter. 00:10:09.840 --> 00:10:13.500 Different locations, sometimes over in Joppa, sometimes in Caesarea. 00:10:14.019 --> 00:10:15.819 Different characters will be focused on. 00:10:16.080 --> 00:10:19.419 But one message is consistent through it all. 00:10:19.419 --> 00:10:23.919 That there is good news in Jesus for everyone. 00:10:25.240 --> 00:10:32.299 So the first part of the chapter, first four scenes really, in verses 1 to 33, 00:10:33.439 --> 00:10:38.719 what we see is that God is preparing hearts for the good news. 00:10:39.779 --> 00:10:44.679 And then we have Peter preaching the good news. 00:10:44.679 --> 00:10:48.019 And then those few verses towards the end of the chapter, 00:10:48.019 --> 00:10:52.679 we see the power of the good news in people's life. 00:10:52.779 --> 00:10:56.899 So let's go to the beginning as we see God preparing hearts 00:10:56.899 --> 00:10:59.699 for this wonderful reality that the good news is for everyone. 00:10:59.819 --> 00:11:02.620 So scene 1, God prepares Cornelius. 00:11:03.219 --> 00:11:04.559 So look with me at verse 1. 00:11:04.559 --> 00:11:07.359 At Caesarea, there was a man named Cornelius, 00:11:07.679 --> 00:11:10.079 a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 00:11:10.139 --> 00:11:11.259 A couple of things that are important. 00:11:11.399 --> 00:11:13.539 This is happening in a city called Caesarea. 00:11:13.539 --> 00:11:16.620 Maybe you hear the name Caesar in there. 00:11:17.439 --> 00:11:21.480 This city was a showpiece for Roman culture. 00:11:21.899 --> 00:11:25.179 It had a temple so that Caesar could be worshipped. 00:11:25.519 --> 00:11:27.419 Now this is important because if you're a Jew, 00:11:27.839 --> 00:11:30.360 you don't think very warmly of Caesarea. 00:11:30.579 --> 00:11:32.659 It represents enemy territory. 00:11:34.299 --> 00:11:36.639 And who's in focus here is Cornelius. 00:11:36.719 --> 00:11:37.980 And he is a Roman soldier. 00:11:38.259 --> 00:11:39.959 That means to many people's way of thinking, 00:11:40.179 --> 00:11:41.139 he is the enemy. 00:11:41.139 --> 00:11:44.720 He's an occupying army soldier. 00:11:45.360 --> 00:11:48.480 But God is preparing his heart. 00:11:49.279 --> 00:11:49.980 Look at verse 2. 00:11:50.360 --> 00:11:52.580 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing. 00:11:53.080 --> 00:11:57.899 He gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 00:11:58.139 --> 00:12:04.039 He has been drawn towards the way of life of the Jewish worshippers. 00:12:04.039 --> 00:12:09.259 He's drawn towards their worship, their worship of God. 00:12:09.500 --> 00:12:12.860 So that when the angel comes to see him, he says in verse 4, 00:12:13.299 --> 00:12:16.299 your prayers and your gifts, they've come up like a sacrifice. 00:12:17.559 --> 00:12:18.719 So here is this man. 00:12:19.120 --> 00:12:20.279 He looks like the enemy. 00:12:20.620 --> 00:12:21.860 But God's preparing his heart. 00:12:21.959 --> 00:12:24.240 And then in verse 3, a vision comes. 00:12:24.379 --> 00:12:25.159 3 in the afternoon. 00:12:26.179 --> 00:12:29.159 A vision where he distinctly sees an angel of God. 00:12:29.159 --> 00:12:31.319 And he has the usual response. 00:12:31.459 --> 00:12:31.959 He has fear. 00:12:32.240 --> 00:12:33.299 What is it, Lord? 00:12:34.500 --> 00:12:36.319 And he gets these directions. 00:12:37.120 --> 00:12:39.199 Go and send for this man called Peter. 00:12:39.279 --> 00:12:40.319 He's not told why. 00:12:41.259 --> 00:12:45.459 But we see that Cornelius quickly obeys. 00:12:46.539 --> 00:12:48.439 He hasn't heard the good news yet. 00:12:48.559 --> 00:12:50.779 But God has been preparing his heart. 00:12:51.759 --> 00:12:57.199 And I want us to just think about and reflect on even in our own experience of how God does this. 00:12:57.200 --> 00:13:02.480 God prepares us in lots of different ways that we might hear and respond to the good news. 00:13:02.700 --> 00:13:12.840 So some of us, that preparing will look like all of a sudden we have a real sense of sin and a need to be right with God. 00:13:14.000 --> 00:13:15.460 Sometimes it's more general. 00:13:16.200 --> 00:13:18.580 We just have a spiritual concern. 00:13:19.700 --> 00:13:22.220 Maybe we have that sense that there's something more. 00:13:22.220 --> 00:13:26.300 And that draws us perhaps to the Bible or to ask questions of a friend. 00:13:27.200 --> 00:13:29.920 Maybe we find ourselves seeking for truth. 00:13:30.000 --> 00:13:35.140 Maybe over many years we're listening and we're reading lots of books and we're asking lots of questions. 00:13:35.620 --> 00:13:43.680 Sometimes it's the case where seeds that are planted when we're kids, we forget about them for years. 00:13:43.980 --> 00:13:47.060 And then all of a sudden those words from God, they come back to us in power. 00:13:47.820 --> 00:13:51.320 God has lots of ways to prepare hearts for the good news. 00:13:51.400 --> 00:13:53.500 That's what he's done with Cornelius. 00:13:53.860 --> 00:13:54.580 Scene 2. 00:13:54.580 --> 00:14:02.440 So we're moving from Caesarea to Joppa and we're jumping ahead in our timeline, 21 hours. 00:14:02.759 --> 00:14:05.020 So it's the next day at midday. 00:14:05.480 --> 00:14:14.160 And we're with Peter, the friend of Jesus, who's been appointed as an apostle, sent to speak for Jesus. 00:14:14.259 --> 00:14:17.259 So this is verse 9 to verse 16. 00:14:17.259 --> 00:14:26.539 And it's important before we get into what's happening just to remember that because Peter is Jewish, there is a backstory there that we need to explain really briefly. 00:14:27.100 --> 00:14:33.120 So from birth, I guess, Peter would have been brought up with the Old Testament law. 00:14:33.120 --> 00:14:40.700 So he would know there is some meat or food that is clean and some that is unclean. 00:14:41.460 --> 00:14:52.200 He would also have been brought up to believe there were some people who were clean, Jewish people, and there were others who were unclean. 00:14:52.200 --> 00:15:08.300 Now, that's going to be really important, as I hope we'll see, because God needs to prepare his heart by undoing some of the pride and prejudice that we see within people like Peter because of their upbringing. 00:15:08.299 --> 00:15:22.419 So verse 10, we meet Peter, it's noon the following day, and he's hungry, and he's waiting for a meal to be prepared, and he's praying, and then he falls into a trance. 00:15:23.259 --> 00:15:29.819 And he sees this vision, and he's hungry, and so he sees this vision of food. 00:15:30.819 --> 00:15:32.439 Maybe we think that's fairly normal. 00:15:32.440 --> 00:15:48.140 And then there's this, the vision looks like a great big sheet that comes down from the sky, comes down from heaven, and it's like a mixed platter of meats, of animals, some of which are clean and some of which are unclean. 00:15:48.200 --> 00:15:53.620 And because they're all mixed in together, Peter naturally would look at that and say, that's all unclean. 00:15:53.660 --> 00:15:54.460 It's contaminated. 00:15:56.620 --> 00:15:59.640 And within the vision, there's a conversation. 00:15:59.639 --> 00:16:05.360 So he hears God's voice, verse 13, get up, Peter, kill and eat. 00:16:06.480 --> 00:16:09.639 Peter replies, surely not, Lord. 00:16:10.199 --> 00:16:19.039 I've never eaten anything impure or unclean, to which God responds a second time, do not call anything impure that God has made clean. 00:16:19.639 --> 00:16:28.279 And this happens three times, up, down, up, down, up, down, to emphasize how important this message is. 00:16:28.279 --> 00:16:33.339 Peter doesn't know exactly what it's about at this moment. 00:16:33.819 --> 00:16:38.639 But again, we can say, from our vantage point, God is preparing his heart. 00:16:40.220 --> 00:16:53.659 There are some barriers, some prejudices that need to be broken down to make Peter ready to share the good news of Jesus across cultures, across his normal comfort zones. 00:16:53.659 --> 00:16:55.659 God wants the good news. 00:16:55.659 --> 00:16:58.699 God wants the good news to spread. 00:16:59.919 --> 00:17:07.079 And so he prepares Christians' hearts to make us willing to go. 00:17:08.519 --> 00:17:15.920 So again, think about the friend or the family member or the colleague who shared Jesus with you. 00:17:15.920 --> 00:17:19.039 That's not always an easy thing to do. 00:17:19.300 --> 00:17:22.600 God prepares hearts in love to make people willing. 00:17:23.640 --> 00:17:31.019 Or think about maybe chances that we have had to share faith with a neighbor or a classmate or a work colleague. 00:17:31.019 --> 00:17:39.519 To speak truth across maybe the differences of culture or religions perhaps. 00:17:39.759 --> 00:17:43.200 Or maybe just to speak to someone who's got a very different view of the world. 00:17:43.779 --> 00:17:46.559 This is all part of God's design. 00:17:46.700 --> 00:17:49.460 This is the way God's kingdom grows. 00:17:51.160 --> 00:17:54.500 Scene three brings two groups together. 00:17:54.500 --> 00:17:59.740 We learn something about God's wonderful sense of timing in verses 17 to 23. 00:18:00.299 --> 00:18:03.660 With God, the timing is always perfect. 00:18:04.799 --> 00:18:07.740 So we find Peter, verse 17 and verse 19. 00:18:08.000 --> 00:18:09.960 He's wondering, what was that vision about? 00:18:10.200 --> 00:18:12.740 He's thinking deeply about the vision, but he can't figure it out. 00:18:12.819 --> 00:18:16.940 And just at that moment, the bell rings downstairs. 00:18:16.940 --> 00:18:25.700 And those servants that have been sent from Cornelius almost 24 hours before, at just the right time, they arrive. 00:18:27.160 --> 00:18:31.259 And if Peter was in any doubt, God makes the connection for him. 00:18:31.320 --> 00:18:36.259 In verse 20, we have the Spirit of God saying, 00:18:36.400 --> 00:18:39.779 Simon, three men are looking for you, so get up and go downstairs. 00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:43.940 Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them. 00:18:43.940 --> 00:18:47.640 And so the Spirit is going to direct him according to his plan. 00:18:47.779 --> 00:18:50.620 So we're reminded that God has perfect timing. 00:18:52.240 --> 00:18:57.920 The servants of the centurion and the servant of Jesus brought together so that the good news will be shared. 00:18:59.220 --> 00:19:00.840 We saw it a few weeks ago. 00:19:01.680 --> 00:19:03.759 Do you remember if you were here, chapter 8? 00:19:04.559 --> 00:19:06.140 You got Philip, and he's a deacon. 00:19:06.140 --> 00:19:18.540 And he gets sent maybe a 50-mile journey to meet an Ethiopian in the desert who just happens to be reading the bit of Isaiah that speaks about Jesus, the coming suffering servant. 00:19:19.080 --> 00:19:23.440 God has perfect timing and brings people together to make the message clear. 00:19:23.440 --> 00:19:30.460 And that's helpful for us to remember that the sovereignty and the providence of God for us. 00:19:30.900 --> 00:19:34.080 We will never have a random encounter. 00:19:34.600 --> 00:19:36.480 We might think it is, but it's never. 00:19:37.279 --> 00:19:40.620 We will never have a random conversation. 00:19:41.360 --> 00:19:44.799 They are all designed and directed by God. 00:19:45.460 --> 00:19:47.860 The Spirit is directing His people. 00:19:47.859 --> 00:19:54.500 Every person who spoke to us about God, every person who opened the Bible with us, that was not an accident. 00:19:54.599 --> 00:19:55.519 That was God's design. 00:19:56.299 --> 00:20:01.500 Every time you were led to witness for Jesus, the Spirit was directing them. 00:20:04.319 --> 00:20:05.719 Now we get to scene four. 00:20:06.899 --> 00:20:09.539 Now we're going to get back to Caesarea. 00:20:09.719 --> 00:20:11.079 Now we're in day three. 00:20:11.259 --> 00:20:14.359 This is when the world-changing meeting happens. 00:20:14.359 --> 00:20:22.639 God's been building up to this moment so that Jesus will be seen as a Savior for all people, not just for the Jewish people. 00:20:23.959 --> 00:20:26.539 So from verse 23 onwards. 00:20:28.500 --> 00:20:29.919 Notice first what happens. 00:20:30.039 --> 00:20:30.919 So here's Cornelius. 00:20:31.039 --> 00:20:32.000 He's expecting them. 00:20:32.099 --> 00:20:37.259 Verse 24, he's called everybody that he knows, his relatives, his close friends, his household is there. 00:20:38.240 --> 00:20:40.719 And he bows to show reverence to Cornelius. 00:20:40.799 --> 00:20:44.019 Now a couple of things to notice about Peter, our apostle. 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:47.700 First of all, notice his right humility. 00:20:48.460 --> 00:20:50.200 And we saw this again last week. 00:20:51.720 --> 00:20:55.559 When Cornelius bows to show him reverence, Peter says, get up, stand up. 00:20:55.619 --> 00:20:56.779 I'm only a man myself. 00:20:57.440 --> 00:21:00.299 Peter always now will point away from himself. 00:21:00.859 --> 00:21:05.720 He doesn't want to take any glory or attention to himself because he wants it to belong to Jesus. 00:21:05.960 --> 00:21:09.160 It's a wonderful principle for us if we are Christians. 00:21:09.160 --> 00:21:17.660 But notice as well, verse 27 to 29, that God has given him a right interpretation of his vision. 00:21:18.660 --> 00:21:26.820 So he can say to this group, you're well aware that it's against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. 00:21:26.819 --> 00:21:32.319 But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. 00:21:32.419 --> 00:21:35.879 Three days ago, Peter would not have come anywhere near Cornelius. 00:21:35.939 --> 00:21:37.299 But now he understands. 00:21:37.939 --> 00:21:40.740 God is saying to me, nobody is unclean. 00:21:41.179 --> 00:21:42.759 Nobody is beyond the good news. 00:21:42.819 --> 00:21:48.000 So I'm going to go and I'm going to come and visit you, Cornelius, so I can tell you about Jesus. 00:21:48.779 --> 00:21:49.980 Jesus is for everyone. 00:21:49.980 --> 00:21:54.759 But I want us to notice again verse 33 as well. 00:21:55.099 --> 00:22:02.440 Just to have the sense of here's a wonderful, this is like a dream audience in a sense for sharing the gospel. 00:22:03.819 --> 00:22:11.799 Because what's happened is, first of all, Cornelius is so eager for everybody that he knows to hear the good news that he's gathered a great big crowd. 00:22:13.539 --> 00:22:14.680 We're all here. 00:22:15.400 --> 00:22:18.099 And he understands we're here in the presence of God. 00:22:18.099 --> 00:22:20.299 And what does he want to hear? 00:22:21.219 --> 00:22:23.199 He wants to hear God's word. 00:22:25.219 --> 00:22:30.359 Again, it's a wonderful attitude to bring to church week by week that sense of expectation. 00:22:30.539 --> 00:22:31.219 Here we are. 00:22:31.779 --> 00:22:32.980 God is in this place. 00:22:33.539 --> 00:22:34.559 And God is speaking. 00:22:35.299 --> 00:22:38.099 And so God has been preparing hearts for this moment. 00:22:38.899 --> 00:22:41.719 And so there's been four scenes but a consistent theme. 00:22:42.119 --> 00:22:43.539 The good news is for everyone. 00:22:44.119 --> 00:22:46.859 And here is God and he's king over creation. 00:22:46.859 --> 00:22:49.159 And he is working in history. 00:22:49.159 --> 00:22:53.379 And he's working because he wants Jesus to be seen as Savior. 00:22:54.979 --> 00:22:57.579 Behind all global missions. 00:22:58.839 --> 00:23:03.559 Behind Christianity moving past borders and barriers. 00:23:05.240 --> 00:23:07.439 Behind you and I being here today. 00:23:08.699 --> 00:23:13.500 Behind every time somebody shares Jesus with someone else stands God. 00:23:13.500 --> 00:23:17.220 God who is calling people to come. 00:23:17.880 --> 00:23:21.079 To come with faith to Jesus. 00:23:23.299 --> 00:23:27.380 And standing behind it too is the God who commands his people to go. 00:23:28.180 --> 00:23:31.579 To make disciples of all nations. 00:23:31.579 --> 00:23:38.960 So we've seen how God has been preparing hearts for the good news. 00:23:39.519 --> 00:23:43.220 Now we need to turn to verse 34 to 43. 00:23:43.720 --> 00:23:50.460 And think about Peter preaching the message of good news for everyone. 00:23:50.460 --> 00:23:52.840 Because the Spirit directs Peter. 00:23:53.480 --> 00:23:57.460 To bring this message to show that salvation in Jesus. 00:23:57.460 --> 00:24:01.680 It cuts across barriers of race and culture and religion. 00:24:01.680 --> 00:24:11.940 It is a force that is capable of turning an enemy soldier into a brother in Christ. 00:24:13.340 --> 00:24:15.400 Think about the world that we live in. 00:24:15.480 --> 00:24:18.820 How fractured and how divided it is. 00:24:19.600 --> 00:24:21.880 Think about the power of the gospel. 00:24:22.019 --> 00:24:22.660 The good news. 00:24:22.779 --> 00:24:23.960 The message about Jesus. 00:24:24.320 --> 00:24:25.660 The Prince of Peace. 00:24:25.980 --> 00:24:28.440 To bring true and lasting peace. 00:24:28.440 --> 00:24:32.720 It's in Jesus we find the hope of healing and unity. 00:24:33.180 --> 00:24:35.299 And so the time has now come for Peter to preach. 00:24:35.380 --> 00:24:41.680 And his emphasis is going to be God has good news for everyone through his son Jesus. 00:24:42.799 --> 00:24:45.680 So to look at this section we're going to slow down a little bit. 00:24:45.720 --> 00:24:49.460 And we're going to ask some questions of the good news. 00:24:49.660 --> 00:24:52.299 And I hope this will be helpful for all of us. 00:24:52.360 --> 00:24:54.259 But maybe especially if we're new to Christianity. 00:24:54.259 --> 00:24:58.539 It may be helpful too as we think about sharing our faith in Jesus with others. 00:24:58.779 --> 00:25:01.039 So first of all from our passage. 00:25:01.920 --> 00:25:02.680 Question one. 00:25:03.160 --> 00:25:05.539 What is the good news? 00:25:06.240 --> 00:25:08.259 Now there's many answers the Bible gives to that. 00:25:08.379 --> 00:25:11.400 But our text gives us two really helpful ones. 00:25:11.539 --> 00:25:12.859 Look at verse 36. 00:25:14.220 --> 00:25:16.740 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel. 00:25:17.420 --> 00:25:21.960 Announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ. 00:25:22.039 --> 00:25:22.759 So there's one answer. 00:25:22.819 --> 00:25:23.359 What's the good news? 00:25:23.359 --> 00:25:24.819 The good news of peace. 00:25:25.740 --> 00:25:28.819 And of course the word peace brings that idea of reconciliation. 00:25:29.500 --> 00:25:35.659 And the message of the Bible is that God has sent Jesus so we could be reconciled and at peace with God. 00:25:35.819 --> 00:25:38.899 And by extension then at peace with others. 00:25:40.379 --> 00:25:47.379 The Bible tells us that in the beginning people were made by God and made for God. 00:25:47.459 --> 00:25:48.639 For relationship with God. 00:25:48.640 --> 00:25:51.280 But our first parents Adam and Eve. 00:25:51.280 --> 00:25:52.740 They walked away. 00:25:52.860 --> 00:25:56.300 They chose to reject God and life with God. 00:25:56.420 --> 00:25:59.860 And now by nature so do we all. 00:26:01.140 --> 00:26:04.800 But the wonderful thing is that God has taken the initiative. 00:26:04.799 --> 00:26:09.579 And he has acted to make peace in the sending of his son. 00:26:10.379 --> 00:26:11.859 So there is the good news of peace. 00:26:11.980 --> 00:26:14.460 And then right at the end of Peter's message verse 43. 00:26:14.879 --> 00:26:16.779 Here's another aspect of the good news. 00:26:17.099 --> 00:26:17.839 What is the good news? 00:26:17.839 --> 00:26:27.419 So there's more of the good news. 00:26:27.500 --> 00:26:30.839 We can be forgiven of our sins. 00:26:31.059 --> 00:26:32.019 That word sin. 00:26:32.299 --> 00:26:36.319 That's the word that the Bible used for when we reject God as our king. 00:26:36.819 --> 00:26:38.059 When we want to be in charge. 00:26:38.059 --> 00:26:41.960 When we ignore God's word of command. 00:26:42.099 --> 00:26:43.799 We want to live life on our own terms. 00:26:44.259 --> 00:26:47.159 When we ignore God in his world. 00:26:47.259 --> 00:26:49.799 When we choose to live for other things instead. 00:26:50.519 --> 00:26:51.539 The Bible says that's sin. 00:26:52.559 --> 00:26:55.700 And the reality of sin is that it leads to separation. 00:26:56.799 --> 00:27:00.259 It means that we are enemies of God and not friends of God. 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:02.920 And it means ultimately if nothing changes. 00:27:03.319 --> 00:27:05.500 We stand under the judgment of God. 00:27:06.279 --> 00:27:08.759 And again notice the message of good news. 00:27:09.740 --> 00:27:14.900 Peter is saying God has acted in his grace and kindness. 00:27:15.359 --> 00:27:18.980 So that we could be forgiven of our sin. 00:27:20.119 --> 00:27:21.920 So there is peace and there is forgiveness. 00:27:22.539 --> 00:27:23.700 It's the good news. 00:27:24.819 --> 00:27:29.359 The second question we need to ask is how does God bring this good news? 00:27:30.259 --> 00:27:32.220 And the answer is through his son Jesus. 00:27:32.339 --> 00:27:33.460 Look at verse 36. 00:27:35.000 --> 00:27:41.359 Announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ who is Lord of all. 00:27:42.059 --> 00:27:43.680 That's a really striking phrase. 00:27:43.799 --> 00:27:47.339 This is Peter's way of saying in summary Jesus is fully God. 00:27:47.440 --> 00:27:48.640 He is Lord. 00:27:50.000 --> 00:27:54.359 But he's also at the same time Peter will talk about him as fully man. 00:27:54.460 --> 00:27:57.160 In verse 38 he'll talk about him as Jesus of Nazareth. 00:27:57.160 --> 00:28:00.059 So we're talking about the one who is fully and eternally God. 00:28:00.259 --> 00:28:02.500 Who became one of us. 00:28:06.019 --> 00:28:10.579 And then what I want us to see and really to encourage us as we think about Christianity. 00:28:10.759 --> 00:28:14.299 And think about sharing our faith is to notice what Peter does. 00:28:15.220 --> 00:28:17.160 How does Peter share the good news? 00:28:17.640 --> 00:28:20.480 He shares the good news really by sharing Jesus. 00:28:21.240 --> 00:28:23.819 By sharing the life of Jesus. 00:28:23.819 --> 00:28:27.679 So look at how he walks Cornelius through the story of Jesus. 00:28:27.799 --> 00:28:29.099 Beginning at verse 38. 00:28:30.539 --> 00:28:34.819 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. 00:28:35.439 --> 00:28:37.859 This is a reference to Jesus being baptized. 00:28:38.859 --> 00:28:41.379 Being anointed as God's chosen king. 00:28:41.819 --> 00:28:43.899 To represent God in the world. 00:28:43.900 --> 00:28:47.120 And at his baptism there was the voice from heaven. 00:28:47.900 --> 00:28:48.800 You're my son. 00:28:48.880 --> 00:28:49.860 I love you. 00:28:50.340 --> 00:28:52.280 And he received the Holy Spirit. 00:28:52.280 --> 00:28:54.759 And he received God's power. 00:28:56.120 --> 00:28:58.259 And then Peter goes to the life of Jesus. 00:28:58.560 --> 00:28:59.880 Still in verse 38. 00:29:01.019 --> 00:29:02.519 Jesus went around doing good. 00:29:02.519 --> 00:29:05.379 And healing all who were under the power of the devil. 00:29:05.660 --> 00:29:07.259 Because God was with him. 00:29:07.920 --> 00:29:09.160 When we speak about Jesus. 00:29:09.339 --> 00:29:12.700 We're speaking about a good and gracious king. 00:29:13.259 --> 00:29:15.960 Who acted in love and mercy and compassion. 00:29:16.440 --> 00:29:18.119 To restore and to heal. 00:29:19.579 --> 00:29:21.940 We're speaking about a king of power. 00:29:22.119 --> 00:29:25.639 Who rescued those who were in the grip of the devil. 00:29:25.759 --> 00:29:27.359 And the forces of evil. 00:29:27.359 --> 00:29:30.000 So we're speaking about a king who brings a kingdom. 00:29:31.259 --> 00:29:33.479 That brings spiritual freedom. 00:29:34.039 --> 00:29:35.959 And true spiritual life. 00:29:36.579 --> 00:29:38.439 We're speaking about a rescuer. 00:29:38.699 --> 00:29:42.579 Who breaks the chains of slavery to sin and its effects. 00:29:44.339 --> 00:29:45.859 And so he goes to the life of Jesus. 00:29:46.479 --> 00:29:48.539 Jesus came to bring in the kingdom of God. 00:29:48.579 --> 00:29:50.179 To give us a little window into. 00:29:50.559 --> 00:29:52.579 What God's eternal kingdom will be like. 00:29:53.240 --> 00:29:55.740 Showing that Jesus came to rescue and restore. 00:29:55.740 --> 00:29:58.220 And then he moves on. 00:29:59.400 --> 00:30:00.920 Verses 39 to 41. 00:30:01.079 --> 00:30:03.319 To look at Jesus' death and resurrection. 00:30:04.460 --> 00:30:06.819 And notice too that he makes pains to say. 00:30:07.440 --> 00:30:09.359 Remember I'm talking to you as an eyewitness. 00:30:10.140 --> 00:30:11.680 This is a public event. 00:30:12.339 --> 00:30:13.519 This is true history. 00:30:14.099 --> 00:30:16.380 And I'm an eyewitness to this reality. 00:30:17.940 --> 00:30:19.980 But notice again how he speaks. 00:30:20.599 --> 00:30:21.980 He says in verse 39. 00:30:22.539 --> 00:30:23.759 They killed him. 00:30:24.180 --> 00:30:25.680 By hanging him on a cross. 00:30:25.819 --> 00:30:28.099 Literally they killed him by hanging him on a tree. 00:30:28.620 --> 00:30:30.779 But God raised him from the dead on the third day. 00:30:31.940 --> 00:30:35.660 And Peter likes to talk about Jesus hanging on a tree. 00:30:36.940 --> 00:30:38.880 Because of the connection to the Old Testament. 00:30:38.960 --> 00:30:40.640 Anyone that was hung on a tree. 00:30:41.279 --> 00:30:42.559 Stood under God's curse. 00:30:42.640 --> 00:30:44.200 And was outside of God's covenant. 00:30:44.359 --> 00:30:47.160 And the point is that Jesus goes there for us. 00:30:48.160 --> 00:30:51.099 Jesus takes the curse for us. 00:30:51.099 --> 00:30:53.159 So that we could know God's blessing. 00:30:53.159 --> 00:30:56.839 So that we could be included in God's covenant of love. 00:30:58.379 --> 00:31:01.019 That's not the end of the story for Jesus. 00:31:01.259 --> 00:31:02.519 They killed him. 00:31:02.619 --> 00:31:04.299 But God raised him. 00:31:04.959 --> 00:31:06.039 And when he does that. 00:31:06.139 --> 00:31:06.619 They killed him. 00:31:06.679 --> 00:31:07.119 God raised him. 00:31:07.579 --> 00:31:08.319 He's wanting to say. 00:31:08.799 --> 00:31:11.279 Listen this is God's verdict on his son Jesus. 00:31:12.599 --> 00:31:14.099 He is pleased with his son. 00:31:14.639 --> 00:31:16.679 His son has accomplished his mission. 00:31:16.680 --> 00:31:20.539 He is the son who is now shown to be victorious. 00:31:21.539 --> 00:31:24.200 Having achieved all that he came to do. 00:31:26.039 --> 00:31:27.980 But notice he doesn't just stop there. 00:31:28.200 --> 00:31:29.259 In the life of Jesus. 00:31:29.600 --> 00:31:31.060 He moves us on again. 00:31:31.279 --> 00:31:33.060 Verse 42 and verse 43. 00:31:33.759 --> 00:31:35.600 He commanded us to preach to the people. 00:31:36.019 --> 00:31:36.720 And to testify. 00:31:37.600 --> 00:31:39.460 That he is the one whom God appointed. 00:31:39.960 --> 00:31:41.820 As judge of the living and the dead. 00:31:41.819 --> 00:31:44.919 That's part of the apostles creed. 00:31:45.319 --> 00:31:47.419 He will come to judge the living and the dead. 00:31:47.539 --> 00:31:49.179 It's straight out of scripture. 00:31:50.200 --> 00:31:51.559 And this reminds us. 00:31:51.700 --> 00:31:53.879 Of the solemn part of the good news. 00:31:55.179 --> 00:31:57.480 And the urgent part of the good news. 00:31:58.599 --> 00:31:59.919 There is a day coming. 00:32:00.000 --> 00:32:00.839 We don't know when. 00:32:01.119 --> 00:32:02.299 But there is a day coming. 00:32:02.500 --> 00:32:04.500 When the Jesus who returned to heaven. 00:32:04.720 --> 00:32:06.779 Will come back once again. 00:32:06.779 --> 00:32:08.460 And when he does. 00:32:09.079 --> 00:32:10.819 That will be judgment day. 00:32:10.819 --> 00:32:15.099 And all of us will stand before Jesus. 00:32:15.099 --> 00:32:17.019 The judge one day. 00:32:17.700 --> 00:32:19.619 With our eternity. 00:32:20.419 --> 00:32:21.519 At stake. 00:32:21.619 --> 00:32:23.919 Our eternal future at stake. 00:32:24.879 --> 00:32:27.099 That's why Jesus spoke so much. 00:32:27.099 --> 00:32:28.779 About the realities of heaven. 00:32:29.039 --> 00:32:30.439 And of hell. 00:32:31.000 --> 00:32:33.179 There is one to avoid. 00:32:33.339 --> 00:32:35.500 And there is one to attain. 00:32:35.500 --> 00:32:35.700 Pain. 00:32:38.099 --> 00:32:40.980 And so he reminds Cornelius. 00:32:40.980 --> 00:32:42.660 That this message. 00:32:43.220 --> 00:32:44.440 It matters. 00:32:44.779 --> 00:32:46.000 Not just for the moment. 00:32:47.119 --> 00:32:48.480 But for all of our life. 00:32:48.539 --> 00:32:49.519 And into eternity. 00:32:50.720 --> 00:32:51.779 Jesus is judge. 00:32:51.839 --> 00:32:53.079 But then in verse 43. 00:32:53.220 --> 00:32:54.400 We also are reminded. 00:32:55.319 --> 00:32:56.599 That everyone who believes in him. 00:32:56.660 --> 00:32:57.579 Receives forgiveness. 00:32:57.759 --> 00:32:58.519 He is judge. 00:32:58.880 --> 00:33:00.220 And he is savior. 00:33:00.220 --> 00:33:02.660 And this also tells us. 00:33:02.660 --> 00:33:03.140 Doesn't it? 00:33:03.500 --> 00:33:05.600 How we should respond to Jesus. 00:33:05.600 --> 00:33:06.460 This isn't just. 00:33:06.600 --> 00:33:08.000 Oh I've got some facts. 00:33:08.240 --> 00:33:08.640 Interesting. 00:33:09.019 --> 00:33:09.660 Or otherwise. 00:33:10.319 --> 00:33:12.799 There is a call to believe. 00:33:14.539 --> 00:33:15.860 And so what the Bible says. 00:33:15.960 --> 00:33:16.819 Whenever we hear that. 00:33:16.920 --> 00:33:18.279 The good news about Jesus. 00:33:18.500 --> 00:33:19.759 There is that moment. 00:33:20.200 --> 00:33:21.759 It is like evidence demands a verdict. 00:33:21.759 --> 00:33:25.759 And the response is to. 00:33:26.720 --> 00:33:27.920 That God wants from us. 00:33:28.000 --> 00:33:29.579 Is to turn away from our sin. 00:33:29.960 --> 00:33:31.779 And to place our trust in Jesus. 00:33:31.940 --> 00:33:33.819 To believe in him. 00:33:34.200 --> 00:33:35.460 To receive forgiveness. 00:33:36.059 --> 00:33:37.160 And peace with God. 00:33:37.460 --> 00:33:39.960 And the promise of life. 00:33:41.379 --> 00:33:43.019 Now here is the third question. 00:33:43.640 --> 00:33:45.079 And this is where it gets really personal. 00:33:45.420 --> 00:33:47.900 Who is the good news for? 00:33:48.279 --> 00:33:50.900 And this is why Acts 10 is such a massive chapter. 00:33:50.900 --> 00:33:52.240 Look at verse 34. 00:33:53.040 --> 00:33:54.380 Here is Peter reflecting. 00:33:54.860 --> 00:33:56.340 I now realize. 00:33:56.840 --> 00:33:57.700 How true it is. 00:33:57.759 --> 00:33:59.320 That God does not show favoritism. 00:34:00.240 --> 00:34:02.860 But accepts from every nation. 00:34:03.320 --> 00:34:04.380 The one who fears him. 00:34:04.440 --> 00:34:05.240 And does what is right. 00:34:05.759 --> 00:34:07.019 God's door of salvation. 00:34:07.560 --> 00:34:08.599 That's now wide open. 00:34:09.860 --> 00:34:11.220 All the barriers are down. 00:34:11.740 --> 00:34:13.099 Anyone who comes with faith. 00:34:13.680 --> 00:34:14.860 We're welcomed in. 00:34:15.500 --> 00:34:17.320 There's no checking of our passports. 00:34:17.780 --> 00:34:19.559 There's no checking of our status. 00:34:19.559 --> 00:34:22.199 We're welcomed when our faith is in Jesus. 00:34:22.940 --> 00:34:24.380 Look at verse 36. 00:34:24.840 --> 00:34:26.259 Jesus Christ who is. 00:34:27.019 --> 00:34:27.940 What does our text say? 00:34:28.400 --> 00:34:30.659 Who is Lord of all. 00:34:30.759 --> 00:34:31.719 Not Lord of some. 00:34:32.400 --> 00:34:35.199 Not Lord of some little corner of the globe. 00:34:36.699 --> 00:34:37.920 He's Lord of all. 00:34:38.779 --> 00:34:40.380 He's the only Savior we need. 00:34:40.719 --> 00:34:43.460 He is the only Savior this whole world needs. 00:34:43.460 --> 00:34:46.579 Yes it was a message given first to Israel. 00:34:46.659 --> 00:34:49.780 But it was given to Israel for the sake of the whole world. 00:34:49.880 --> 00:34:51.480 That includes us. 00:34:52.179 --> 00:34:54.039 And he ends on the same note as well. 00:34:54.119 --> 00:34:54.860 Verse 43. 00:34:55.579 --> 00:34:57.119 Everyone who believes. 00:34:57.840 --> 00:34:58.760 Receives forgiveness. 00:34:58.920 --> 00:35:01.019 If you believe in Jesus today. 00:35:01.240 --> 00:35:02.179 Whoever you are. 00:35:02.280 --> 00:35:03.240 Wherever you're from. 00:35:03.519 --> 00:35:05.380 There is a promise from God. 00:35:05.720 --> 00:35:06.780 You will have peace. 00:35:07.280 --> 00:35:08.139 You will have forgiveness. 00:35:09.000 --> 00:35:09.900 And you will have life. 00:35:09.900 --> 00:35:12.660 Turn to him in faith. 00:35:13.920 --> 00:35:15.220 And then finally and briefly. 00:35:15.720 --> 00:35:19.300 We see the power of the good news is proved. 00:35:19.700 --> 00:35:23.820 And this is an important moment for people to witness. 00:35:24.680 --> 00:35:26.340 Some of us I imagine in the next week. 00:35:26.400 --> 00:35:26.960 Because it's holidays. 00:35:27.039 --> 00:35:27.940 We'll be going on holiday. 00:35:28.639 --> 00:35:30.019 Even if you're not going abroad. 00:35:30.139 --> 00:35:31.680 Think about times where you go abroad. 00:35:31.800 --> 00:35:34.260 And you hit up a local market. 00:35:34.260 --> 00:35:37.440 One of the questions you're asking. 00:35:38.180 --> 00:35:38.660 Maybe. 00:35:39.200 --> 00:35:40.520 When you go to a local market. 00:35:40.700 --> 00:35:42.560 Is this article that I have here. 00:35:42.900 --> 00:35:44.020 Is it genuine. 00:35:44.420 --> 00:35:45.500 Or is it fake. 00:35:46.140 --> 00:35:47.720 And you know there's ways that you can tell. 00:35:47.840 --> 00:35:49.580 You can look at the price tag. 00:35:49.740 --> 00:35:50.880 That's usually a pretty good clue. 00:35:51.520 --> 00:35:53.240 You can look at the label. 00:35:53.800 --> 00:35:55.060 Maybe on the clothing. 00:35:55.560 --> 00:35:57.240 You can examine the quality. 00:35:57.960 --> 00:35:59.560 You can probably have a pretty good stab. 00:35:59.620 --> 00:36:01.440 Is this thing real or fake. 00:36:01.440 --> 00:36:06.039 When the good news of Jesus goes global. 00:36:06.820 --> 00:36:09.280 It has a massive impact. 00:36:10.200 --> 00:36:12.320 And God knows it's going to have a massive impact. 00:36:13.159 --> 00:36:14.700 Some people are going to wonder. 00:36:15.400 --> 00:36:16.139 Hold on a minute. 00:36:16.300 --> 00:36:18.099 How has this change happened? 00:36:18.380 --> 00:36:20.059 Is this real or is this fake? 00:36:20.820 --> 00:36:23.019 And so God gives signs. 00:36:23.480 --> 00:36:24.480 Decisive signs. 00:36:24.480 --> 00:36:28.380 That he really is extending his kingdom to all nations. 00:36:28.380 --> 00:36:31.460 That these guys really do have real faith. 00:36:31.559 --> 00:36:32.800 That Jesus really is good news. 00:36:32.860 --> 00:36:34.440 So let's just see the signs. 00:36:34.559 --> 00:36:36.720 First of all verse 44 to 46. 00:36:37.260 --> 00:36:37.840 Sign one. 00:36:38.720 --> 00:36:39.380 The Spirit. 00:36:39.539 --> 00:36:40.440 The Holy Spirit. 00:36:40.640 --> 00:36:43.519 Came on all who heard the message. 00:36:44.840 --> 00:36:45.940 The people who came with Peter. 00:36:46.099 --> 00:36:46.940 Are astonished. 00:36:47.180 --> 00:36:48.599 That the gift of the Holy Spirit. 00:36:48.760 --> 00:36:49.500 Had been poured out. 00:36:50.180 --> 00:36:51.480 Even on Gentiles. 00:36:51.760 --> 00:36:53.220 They didn't think highly of Gentiles. 00:36:53.280 --> 00:36:54.220 But now they see. 00:36:54.660 --> 00:36:55.300 God does. 00:36:55.619 --> 00:36:56.300 Jesus does. 00:36:56.300 --> 00:36:57.940 And so it can't be denied. 00:36:58.080 --> 00:36:59.360 That the same thing that happened. 00:36:59.820 --> 00:37:01.019 To the church. 00:37:01.140 --> 00:37:02.019 Made up of Jewish people. 00:37:02.100 --> 00:37:02.500 At the beginning. 00:37:02.580 --> 00:37:03.340 In Acts chapter 2. 00:37:03.500 --> 00:37:04.860 Has now happened. 00:37:05.300 --> 00:37:06.700 Here as well. 00:37:06.820 --> 00:37:07.860 There's no first class. 00:37:07.920 --> 00:37:09.120 And second class Christians. 00:37:09.760 --> 00:37:10.580 Second sign. 00:37:11.340 --> 00:37:11.820 Baptism. 00:37:12.140 --> 00:37:12.960 Verse 47. 00:37:13.500 --> 00:37:15.200 Surely no one can stand in the way. 00:37:15.220 --> 00:37:16.720 Of their being baptized with water. 00:37:17.300 --> 00:37:18.680 They've received the Holy Spirit. 00:37:18.820 --> 00:37:20.220 Just as we have. 00:37:21.220 --> 00:37:23.160 Baptism is this wonderful symbol. 00:37:23.300 --> 00:37:24.280 We use water. 00:37:24.280 --> 00:37:26.400 And we pour it. 00:37:26.500 --> 00:37:27.800 As a sign that the Spirit. 00:37:27.800 --> 00:37:28.760 Has been poured out. 00:37:29.120 --> 00:37:30.540 And that forgiveness of sins. 00:37:30.540 --> 00:37:31.580 Has been poured out. 00:37:32.060 --> 00:37:33.180 By Jesus. 00:37:34.460 --> 00:37:35.700 And then when Cornelius. 00:37:35.840 --> 00:37:36.680 And his family. 00:37:36.800 --> 00:37:37.160 His household. 00:37:37.240 --> 00:37:37.580 Are baptized. 00:37:37.960 --> 00:37:39.940 It's a sign that they now belong. 00:37:40.160 --> 00:37:40.840 To Jesus. 00:37:41.000 --> 00:37:41.620 And his church. 00:37:42.019 --> 00:37:43.420 And it's the same sign. 00:37:43.580 --> 00:37:44.380 For the church. 00:37:44.640 --> 00:37:45.040 Everywhere. 00:37:45.600 --> 00:37:46.340 In all times. 00:37:46.420 --> 00:37:47.080 In all places. 00:37:47.380 --> 00:37:48.960 It's a great unifying sign. 00:37:50.160 --> 00:37:51.280 So we've seen the Spirit. 00:37:51.460 --> 00:37:52.200 And we've seen baptism. 00:37:52.199 --> 00:37:53.980 There's a third sign. 00:37:55.259 --> 00:37:56.619 That this is the real deal. 00:37:56.719 --> 00:37:57.619 And we could easily miss it. 00:37:57.759 --> 00:37:58.779 It's in verse 48. 00:38:00.339 --> 00:38:01.259 It's in fellowship. 00:38:02.179 --> 00:38:03.059 And hospitality. 00:38:04.879 --> 00:38:05.759 So Peter ordered. 00:38:05.960 --> 00:38:06.779 That they be baptized. 00:38:06.879 --> 00:38:08.079 In the name of Jesus Christ. 00:38:08.599 --> 00:38:09.639 Then they asked Peter. 00:38:09.759 --> 00:38:10.899 To stay with them. 00:38:11.279 --> 00:38:12.399 For a few days. 00:38:13.119 --> 00:38:14.399 And he does. 00:38:15.259 --> 00:38:15.399 Okay. 00:38:15.439 --> 00:38:16.379 So a couple of days before. 00:38:16.460 --> 00:38:16.819 As we said. 00:38:17.139 --> 00:38:18.159 There is no way. 00:38:18.279 --> 00:38:18.859 Peter would have. 00:38:19.259 --> 00:38:20.259 Knocked on that door. 00:38:20.480 --> 00:38:21.480 And walked in. 00:38:21.480 --> 00:38:22.960 He would never have had a meal. 00:38:23.059 --> 00:38:24.280 He would never have stayed the night. 00:38:24.360 --> 00:38:26.179 But this is the power of the gospel. 00:38:27.139 --> 00:38:28.240 Old barriers. 00:38:29.400 --> 00:38:30.179 The food laws. 00:38:30.280 --> 00:38:31.019 Were like a barrier. 00:38:31.139 --> 00:38:31.740 Protecting. 00:38:32.000 --> 00:38:32.780 The Jewish religion. 00:38:32.780 --> 00:38:33.579 From the rest of the world. 00:38:33.980 --> 00:38:34.119 Well. 00:38:34.340 --> 00:38:35.940 Well food now becomes a bridge. 00:38:36.940 --> 00:38:38.420 Because they can eat together. 00:38:39.119 --> 00:38:40.260 Around a table. 00:38:41.039 --> 00:38:41.900 All one. 00:38:42.119 --> 00:38:43.480 In Christ Jesus. 00:38:45.039 --> 00:38:46.079 The evangelist. 00:38:46.119 --> 00:38:46.860 Sam Chan. 00:38:47.500 --> 00:38:48.400 Reckons that perhaps. 00:38:48.400 --> 00:38:49.559 The greatest tool. 00:38:49.680 --> 00:38:50.760 The modern church has. 00:38:50.820 --> 00:38:52.280 In our evangelism toolkit. 00:38:53.079 --> 00:38:54.059 Is hospitality. 00:38:55.480 --> 00:38:56.920 Spending time with people. 00:38:57.039 --> 00:38:58.079 Over food. 00:38:59.099 --> 00:39:00.579 Breaking down barriers. 00:39:00.780 --> 00:39:01.960 Extended time. 00:39:02.079 --> 00:39:03.000 To let others. 00:39:03.599 --> 00:39:04.599 Feel and see. 00:39:04.760 --> 00:39:05.639 And hear. 00:39:06.160 --> 00:39:07.019 The difference. 00:39:07.200 --> 00:39:08.200 That Jesus makes. 00:39:08.200 --> 00:39:09.220 To our lives. 00:39:10.780 --> 00:39:12.260 And so the good news. 00:39:12.260 --> 00:39:14.260 Is for everyone. 00:39:14.840 --> 00:39:15.460 This meeting. 00:39:15.519 --> 00:39:16.180 Between Peter. 00:39:16.179 --> 00:39:17.099 And Cornelius. 00:39:17.339 --> 00:39:17.799 Is a sign. 00:39:17.960 --> 00:39:18.379 That God. 00:39:18.659 --> 00:39:20.019 Is changing the world. 00:39:20.019 --> 00:39:21.619 As his kingdom grows. 00:39:22.059 --> 00:39:23.980 Just as he promised. 00:39:24.659 --> 00:39:25.419 Opening the way. 00:39:25.539 --> 00:39:26.399 For everyone. 00:39:27.000 --> 00:39:27.859 To be saved. 00:39:28.319 --> 00:39:28.919 Through faith. 00:39:29.000 --> 00:39:29.500 In Jesus. 00:39:30.579 --> 00:39:31.399 Two things. 00:39:31.460 --> 00:39:31.960 To take away. 00:39:32.039 --> 00:39:32.500 As we close. 00:39:32.619 --> 00:39:32.859 One. 00:39:33.579 --> 00:39:34.539 If we are Christians. 00:39:34.539 --> 00:39:35.619 Let's be encouraged. 00:39:35.619 --> 00:39:36.299 That we can. 00:39:36.859 --> 00:39:37.460 Confidently. 00:39:38.019 --> 00:39:38.779 Introduce. 00:39:38.899 --> 00:39:39.419 And invite. 00:39:39.559 --> 00:39:40.000 Anyone. 00:39:40.159 --> 00:39:40.659 To Jesus. 00:39:41.299 --> 00:39:42.179 We can call. 00:39:42.179 --> 00:39:42.419 Them. 00:39:42.500 --> 00:39:42.919 To faith. 00:39:43.859 --> 00:39:44.339 Invite them. 00:39:44.419 --> 00:39:44.859 To turn. 00:39:44.860 --> 00:39:45.360 From sin. 00:39:45.440 --> 00:39:46.240 To become a part. 00:39:46.240 --> 00:39:47.039 Of his church. 00:39:47.039 --> 00:39:47.840 And his family. 00:39:49.579 --> 00:39:50.640 To freely. 00:39:50.640 --> 00:39:51.440 Offer them. 00:39:51.440 --> 00:39:51.880 Jesus. 00:39:52.300 --> 00:39:53.340 Because we know. 00:39:53.340 --> 00:39:54.400 That's God's design. 00:39:54.820 --> 00:39:55.320 And we know. 00:39:55.320 --> 00:39:56.039 God is building. 00:39:56.039 --> 00:39:56.559 His church. 00:39:56.559 --> 00:39:57.280 Around the world. 00:39:59.039 --> 00:40:00.120 And if you're here today. 00:40:00.120 --> 00:40:01.039 And you're not a Christian. 00:40:01.960 --> 00:40:02.480 Understand. 00:40:02.680 --> 00:40:03.900 That this good news. 00:40:03.900 --> 00:40:06.180 Is for you. 00:40:07.180 --> 00:40:08.420 Jesus lived. 00:40:08.640 --> 00:40:09.660 And died. 00:40:09.860 --> 00:40:11.240 And rose again. 00:40:11.760 --> 00:40:12.880 So that you. 00:40:13.200 --> 00:40:14.280 Could be forgiven. 00:40:14.860 --> 00:40:16.460 And be reconciled. 00:40:16.460 --> 00:40:16.920 To God. 00:40:18.240 --> 00:40:19.800 That just like Cornelius. 00:40:19.800 --> 00:40:21.200 You could believe. 00:40:21.920 --> 00:40:22.920 And receive. 00:40:23.519 --> 00:40:24.019 The gift. 00:40:24.019 --> 00:40:24.640 Of new life. 00:40:25.300 --> 00:40:26.019 Let's pray. 00:40:26.460 --> 00:40:26.820 Together. 00:40:27.820 --> 00:40:28.380 Lord God. 00:40:28.460 --> 00:40:29.340 Thank you for this. 00:40:30.140 --> 00:40:31.140 Amazing meeting. 00:40:31.280 --> 00:40:32.200 And the way it shows. 00:40:32.320 --> 00:40:33.260 How you are changing. 00:40:33.260 --> 00:40:33.940 The world. 00:40:34.800 --> 00:40:35.320 How you are. 00:40:36.000 --> 00:40:37.280 Breaking down barriers. 00:40:37.280 --> 00:40:38.360 So that people. 00:40:38.559 --> 00:40:39.620 From all places. 00:40:39.760 --> 00:40:40.460 People like us. 00:40:41.340 --> 00:40:42.740 Can hear the good news. 00:40:42.740 --> 00:40:43.360 About Jesus. 00:40:43.360 --> 00:40:44.140 And be saved. 00:40:44.980 --> 00:40:45.300 Lord. 00:40:45.380 --> 00:40:46.140 We thank you. 00:40:46.140 --> 00:40:47.960 For your loving kindness. 00:40:48.640 --> 00:40:49.800 In giving us your son. 00:40:49.900 --> 00:40:50.380 We thank you. 00:40:50.420 --> 00:40:51.559 For his perfect life. 00:40:51.700 --> 00:40:52.019 Death. 00:40:52.420 --> 00:40:53.220 And resurrection. 00:40:53.960 --> 00:40:54.559 We thank you. 00:40:54.599 --> 00:40:55.480 That he will return. 00:40:55.480 --> 00:40:56.059 One day. 00:40:56.559 --> 00:40:57.360 To judge. 00:40:57.559 --> 00:40:58.320 And to save. 00:40:58.820 --> 00:41:00.140 And to make everything new. 00:41:00.940 --> 00:41:01.180 Lord. 00:41:01.240 --> 00:41:01.640 We pray. 00:41:01.740 --> 00:41:02.860 That you would give to us. 00:41:02.860 --> 00:41:03.519 The gift. 00:41:03.519 --> 00:41:04.500 Of faith. 00:41:05.099 --> 00:41:05.840 To believe. 00:41:05.840 --> 00:41:06.559 The good news. 00:41:06.640 --> 00:41:07.480 To find peace. 00:41:07.640 --> 00:41:08.160 And forgiveness. 00:41:09.139 --> 00:41:09.799 And then we ask. 00:41:09.899 --> 00:41:11.139 That you would give us opportunities. 00:41:11.379 --> 00:41:12.859 Perhaps even through hospitality. 00:41:13.779 --> 00:41:15.759 To make something of your love. 00:41:16.239 --> 00:41:17.699 And your goodness to us in Jesus. 00:41:17.899 --> 00:41:18.679 Known to others. 00:41:19.259 --> 00:41:20.299 That we pray in his name. 00:41:20.739 --> 00:41:21.000 Amen.